Senior School Handbook 2012-13 - Kimbolton School

Kimbolton School 

Parents’ Handbook

Cover picture courtesy of David Pickett 

2 Edition 1, June 2012

A warm welcome to our brand new Kimbolton School Parents’ 

Handbook. Your son/daughter receives his/her own ‘New Pupil 

Handbook’, full of information covering most eventualities. We 

presume that parents have always sneaked a look at this too, 

however, this Parents’ Handbook offers a more comprehensive 

and detailed view of life at our school. 

This book is primarily designed to help you, and your child, 

prepare for their first Kimbolton term and ease your navigation 

through the months, and years, which follow. Some of the 

advice has been contributed by current parents who recently 

followed the same path as you are now doing. 

Edition 1, June 2012 

3 

Welcome 

We know that the move to Senior School, any senior school, 

marks an important milestone in a child’s life. We want 

Kimbolton pupils to develop into confident, caring, interesting and interested young men and 

women. Self-esteem is so important in this process and an important component of that has to 

be increasing independence. You will notice the theme which runs through this handbook – whilst 

school and parents provide the support, the pupils must learn to do it for themselves. 

Your son/daughter’s tutor will invariably be your first point of contact with the School. Thereafter 

the Housemaster/mistress (Hm) oversees the pastoral concerns of his/her House. 

Our pastoral care system is robust (don’t just take my word for it, the recent Inspection report 

says the same). We have a dedicated nursing team in the School Health Centre (including an 

independent School Counsellor), a Chaplain and the Assistant Head Pastoral. 

You are holding the first edition of the Parents’ Handbook in your hands. We will look to refine and 

improve each year. Please feel free to pass on your suggestions for the 2013 version – including 

any pertinent ‘Parent-to-Parent’ tips. 

I look forward to working with you over the next few years. 

Jonathan Belbin 

Headmaster 

Phone: 

01480 860505 

Email: 

headmaster@kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk 

Fax: 

01480 861763 

Website: 

www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk 

Contact Us

Explanation of Terms/About This Handbook 

We acknowledge and value the diversity of backgrounds of our pupils and their families. In recognition of this, 

within this Handbook, we have not assumed prior knowledge of either Kimbolton School or of the England and 

Wales education system. Below is an explanation of some terms that we use: 

• The National Curriculum is the framework set by the Government outlining the most important knowledge 

and skills that every child has a right to learn and at what stage. Independent schools are not obliged to 

follow the National Curriculum but at Kimbolton School we aim to cover and add to it. Further information on 

our curriculum is at page 16. 

• We use traditional names for our year groups. These are (with the entry ages and National Curriculum 

equivalents): 

• First Form (age 11+ - Year 7) 

• Second Form (age 12+ - Year 8) 

• Third Form (age 13+ - Year 9) 

• Fourth Form (age 14+ - Year 10) 

• Fifth Form (age 15+ - Year 11) 

• Lower Sixth Form (age 16+ - Year 12) 

• Upper Sixth Form (age 17+ - Year 13) 

• We often refer to sections of the Senior School as Ingrams, Middles and Seniors. These are: 

• Ingrams - First and Second Forms 

• Middles - Third and Fourth Forms 

• Seniors - Fifth Form, Lower and Upper Sixth Forms 

• We play sports fixtures against other schools on Match Saturdays. There are eight Match Saturdays 

in each of the Autumn and Spring Terms and seven in the Summer Term. Certain annual events, CCF 

competitions, departmental trips, outdoor pursuits, and music or drama rehearsals take place on Non-Match 

Saturdays. 

About this Handbook 

This Handbook contains advice and essential information for parents of pupils joining our Senior School. Where 

relevant, we have included contact information and direct links to our website where further or up-to-date 

information is available. 

In the interest of clarity and brevity, we have omitted the website address from the front of all links so, for example, 

/TermDates indicates that the website link is www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk/TermDates . 

Similarly, email addresses are listed without the School’s domain name so headmaster@ indicates that the email 

address is headmaster@kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk . 

Parent-to-Parent 

Tips and comments from those who have been in your shoes: ‘Parent-to-Parent’ 

‘Our fears that he would find it difficult to settle in proved unfounded. There were plenty of other boys 

and girls who were the only ones joining from their schools and he quickly made friends with children from 

the Prep School and elsewhere.’ 

‘Things get much easier after the first few weeks.’ 

‘The School campus is much smaller than it appears at first. My daughter knew her way around within the 

first couple of weeks and had plenty of help in locating rooms from staff and older children.’ 


Mission Statement and Values 


Kimbolton School Mission Statement 

Kimbolton School creates a caring, challenging environment in which all pupils are encouraged to fulfil their 

potential and are given opportunities to flourish in a wide variety of curricular and 

extra-curricular interests. 

We provide a close family environment where young people are educated to be tolerant, socially responsible and 

independent of mind, equipping them for our changing world. We are a 

community that challenges pupils to discover their talents, develop socially and excel. 

At Kimbolton School, we value: 

• each individual. 

Kimbolton School Values 

• a rounded education, encompassing both academic and extra-curricular activity. 

• high standards, ensuring that everyone reaches their potential. 

• and celebrate all personal success and achievement equally in all areas. 

• a warm, supportive and inclusive day and boarding community encompassing staff, pupils, parents and 

town. 

• tolerance and respect for others, facilitating equality of opportunity. 

• enthusiasm, commitment and self-discipline. 

• the development of social responsibility and integrity. 

• the beliefs and traditions reflected in the School’s Christian heritage, whilst respecting 

those of other cultures. 

• the rich history and heritage of our school and our setting; an awareness of our responsibilities to others in 

line with our charitable foundation. 

• the building of self-esteem so that pupils develop the confidence and independence of 

mind to be true to themselves. 

• a variety of opportunities for every pupil to discover an individual sphere of excellence 

and thus be challenged and inspired. 

• preparation of pupils for lifelong learning. 

5

Map of the Senior School 


To assist the flow of traffic through the village, we operate a one-way 

traffic system in the Castle Grounds during peak school hours. 

Please enter the Castle Grounds through the Iron Gates (on the 

B645) and exit through the Gatehouse during the following hours: 


Monday to Friday: 8.30 am to 9.15 am and 3.45 pm to 4.30 pm 

Outside these hours, the Gatehouse may be used for both entry and 

exit. Please note that the speed limit in the School grounds is 5 mph. 

Map of the Kimbolton School Estate 

7 

This map includes the 

locations of our sports pitches. 

The weekly fixture information 

on our website lists the pitches 

being used for home matches.

Joining the Senior School 

Pupils joining the First Form are assigned to one of 4 forms: 1D, 1K, 1L or 

1P and remain with that form and its tutor for two years. 

Each form comprises both children from the Prep School and some joining 

from other schools. Our aim is to have an even mix of abilities, talents and 

interests across both the academic and extra-curricular spheres in each 

class. 

Although many of the First Form come from the Prep School, having been 

shuffled regularly between classes they are skilled and experienced at 

welcoming and absorbing new children into the year group. Regardless of 

their previous schools, we encourage the creation of new friendships and 

help all children to settle into Senior School life together. 

New Third Formers join one of five forms and are provided with a guide 

who will show them around and accompany them during the first few weeks 

until they settle in and form more friendships. They are also allocated to a 

House and tutor group (see page 9. 

Pupils who join at other times are also allocated a guide to ensure that they 

settle in quickly. 

The Role of the Tutor 

Pupils are allocated to tutors for two year periods (one year in the Fifth Form). The tutor plays a key role in the life 

of his/her tutees through: 

• Taking the formal register at the start of each day and checking their personal presentation (dress, hair, 

footwear). 

• Monitoring their academic progress, discussing assessment grades and reports and being the first point of 

reference for parents or other staff when academic problems arise. 

• Befriending them, taking an interest in their broader development, supporting their extra-curricular interests 

and being the first point of contact when pastoral problems arise. 

• Advising them, giving them support, and encouraging them to develop positive attitudes and 

self-esteem. 

• Advising them on the selection of academic options (Third Form Creatives, GCSE, AS Level, A2 Level). 

• Dealing with any complaints about their poor behaviour. 

• Acknowledging particularly good behaviour or worthy deeds. 

• Liaising with parents and other staff as appropriate. 

Thus, your child’s tutor is at the centre of our support system and is therefore your first point of contact for all 

academic, pastoral and behavioural issues. Where appropriate, we would ask that you encourage your child to 

be the first to raise issues with his/her tutor, rather than relying on your intervention. This helps foster trust and 

understanding between tutor and tutee and develops the child’s confidence and self-reliance. 

Making Contact 

How long do children in a 

form stay together? 

2 years 

(First and Second Forms) 

Please use email in the first instance to contact tutors. Most staff have extensive teaching commitments that 

preclude them from being easily reached by telephone; they can, however, pick up an email fairly quickly and will 

then call you when they are next free to discuss any issues. 

Please do not enter your child’s form room in the mornings as this is rarely a good time or place to raise 

concerns. 

Ingrams parents may attend the weekly Ingrams Surgery, which is run on a non-appointment basis by the Ingrams 

Housemistress or Assistant, each Monday from 4.30 pm to 5.00 pm. 

then 

1 year (Third Form) 

then 

2 years 

(Fourth and Fifth Forms - but 

GCSE options mean that forms 

are taught only English and PE 

together) 

then 

Individual Timetables (Lower 

and Upper Sixth) 



William Ingram 

(HM, 1913-47) 

Henry Balye 

(FF) 

William Dawson 

(FF) 

Cyril Gibbard 

(Hm, 1911-53) 

Kyffin Owen 

(Hm, (1920-63) 

The House System and Tutors 

The House system is a key part of our pastoral care. We have five Houses: 

Ingrams, Balyes, Dawsons, Gibbards and Owens, which are named after 

a founding father (FF) of the School, a long-serving Headmaster (HM) or 

Housemaster (Hm). 

A Housemaster or Housemistress leads the group of tutors allocated to 

each House and oversees the overall running of the House and the weekly 

House assembly. The tutor is the first point of contact for parents for all 

academic and pastoral matters. All pupils are expected to contribute to 

the daily life of their Houses. Those who make a significant contribution 

are awarded ‘House Colours’ in the form of a lapel badge or tie as an 

acknowledgement of their efforts. 

Ingrams is our junior house. Our First and Second Formers all belong to 

Ingrams which provides a comfortable ‘stepping-stone’ between the Prep 

School, or their primary schools, and membership of one of the four senior houses. As well as taking part in some 

whole school events, Ingrams has its own assemblies, house competition and reward system. 

In Ingrams, form tutors look after the pupils in their classes and are the key link between school and home. 

Ingrams Prefects are Upper Sixth Formers who are allocated to Ingrams forms and assist the tutors in organising 

events, helping at the First Form activity weekend and administrative tasks such as checking homework diaries. 

They also befriend the pupils and provide general advice and support. 

The Ingrams House Competition comprises around 50 events throughout the academic year. Classes compete 

in First/Second Form pairings (the Ds (ie 1D and 2D) v the Ks v the Ls v the Ps) in myriad events including all of 

the major sports, minor sports (such as swimming, equestrianism, squash and badminton), general knowledge 

and other quizzes, plus chess, debating, public reading and a talent competition. There is plenty of opportunity for 

all pupils to get involved. Major events in the Ingrams year such as the House Music Competition in May and the 

Sports Day in June count towards the overall prize of the Ingrams House Trophy, as do the total number of Merits 

awarded to each form’s members. 

From the Third Form onwards, pupils join one of our senior houses: Balyes, Dawsons, Gibbards and Owens. 

Siblings always represent the same House and, where known, we place them in the same House as any OK 

relations. Pupils are taught in classes comprising children from all of the Houses but are placed in smaller tutor 

groups of around 12-14 pupils with others from their House for registration and pastoral care. 

In the Third and Fourth Forms, the tutor groups span both year groups with roughly half of the tutees from each 

cohort; this allows tutor and tutee to work together for two years and encourages pupils to look beyond their 

immediate year group. These Middles tutors are supported by Lower Sixth Mentors who provide advice to the 

tutees and assist in the running of House events. 

In the Fifth Form, with the focus on GCSEs, pupils are placed in yet smaller tutor groups that are exclusive to this 

year group. Sixth Formers are allocated to mixed Lower/Upper Sixth groups, again remaining with their tutor for 

both years. 

This way, the academic progress and personal development of each of our pupils is overseen by a tutor who has 

responsibility for just a handful of tutees. Tutors meet their tutees on at least a daily basis as well as for House 

Assembly and House Chapel each week. This fosters and augments a close pastoral system and ensures that 

each tutee is well-known and understood. 

Housemasters/mistresses are assisted in the running of their Houses by Upper Sixth Heads of House. 

Inter-House competitions are held throughout the school year and include the major sports as well as a wide range 

of minor sports and other events such as cross-country, music, chess, general knowledge, badminton, Sports 

Days, Scrabble, shooting, debating, sailing and swimming. These all contribute to the award of the House Cup, a 

fiercely fought-over prize which is presented in the final Assembly of the year. 

9

Ingrams House Staff 

Post/Form Name Email Academic Subject(s) Other Responsibilities 

Hm/1L Mrs C E Bennett ceb@ Head of Food & Nutrition Chicken Club 

Assistant Hm 

(2nd Form/ 2P 

Assistant Hm 

(1st Form)/ 1D 

Mr O R Hall orh@ French 

Spanish 

CCF (Head of RAF Section) 

Ingrams Squash Club 

Mrs C A Kennedy cak@ Geography Ghana Partnership 

Junior Geography Club 

2D Mr D P Conerney dpc@ Mathematics Ingrams Badminton Club 

2L Miss B L Copeland blc@ Drama 

English 

Head of Drama 

Sixth Form Club 

1P Mrs L Stone ls@ Religious Studies Head of Religious Studies 

Ingrams General Knowledge Team 

1K Miss S E Thompson set@ English Second in English Department 

Ingrams Drama Club 

Philosophy for Community (P4C) 

2K Mrs C A Vincent Bennett cvb@ Head of ICT (Academic) 

Assistant Tutor Dr R A Blindt rab@ Biology 

Chemistry 

Young Enterprise 

Balyes House Staff 

Post/Tutor 

Group 

Name Email Academic Subject(s) Other Responsibilities 

Hm/Middles Mrs E L R Lawless elrl@ Physical Education Head of Girls Games 

Assistant Hm/ 

Fifth 

Mr A S Jessup asj@ Mathematics Head of Mathematics 

Middles Mr A B Hutchinson abh@ Physics 

Middles Mrs H L Martin hlm@ Chemistry CCF (Head of RN Section) 

Fifth Mr A Gray ag@ Chemistry Director of Science 

Fishing 

Sixth Mr M S Gilbert msg@ Physical Education Director of Sport 

Sixth Mr S K Pollard skp@ English Head of English 

Sixth Dr S P Yallup spy@ Mathematics 

Assistant Tutor Mrs S E Durban sed@ English 



11 

Dawsons House Staff 

Post/Tutor 

Group 


Hm/Sixth Mr S Wilson sw@ Geography Head of Geography 

Assistant Hm/ 

Fifth 

Miss S J Bull sjb@ Geography 

Middles Mr J C Gomez jcg@ Spanish Head of Spanish 

Middles Mrs L V King lvk@ Food & Nutrition 

Middles Mr M Reed mr@ Mathematics Robotics Club 

Fifth Mr T Webley tw@ Physical Education 

Sixth Mr D H Brattle dhb@ Physics Amateur Radio Club 

Sixth Miss J J Shillaw jjs@ History 

Politics 

Sixth Mr S K Whitlock skw@ Physics Rowing Club 

University Adviser 

Assistant Tutor Mrs L K Whiteside lkw@ Mathematics 

Gibbards House Staff 

Post/Tutor 

Group 


Hm/Fifth Mr J R K Garland jrkg@ History 

Assistant Hm/ 

Middles 

Mr A S Lawless asl@ Physical Education Fifth Form Social Events Coordinator 

Middles Mr D C Gibbs dcg@ Music Assistant Director of Music 

Middles Mr K Spencer ks@ Design Technology Head of Design Technology 

Fifth Mrs L D Bamford ldb@ Head of Art Head of Art 

‘Kimboltonian’ Editor 

Set and Scenery Design Club 

Sixth Mrs C C Elliott cce@ Business Studies 

Economics 

CSU and Charities Coordinator 

PSHE Coordinator 

Sixth Mrs C E Firby cef@ Biology University Adviser 

Medical Society 

Ingrams Scientific Research Club 

Sixth Form Scientific Research Club 

Sixth Mr J R Saunders jrs@ Business Studies Head of Economics and Business Studies 

University Adviser 

Economics 

Young Enterprise 

Assistant Tutor Mrs A E Bantin aeb@ History

Owens House Staff 

Post/Tutor 

Group 


Hm/Sixth Mr M Bennett mb@ Art Clay Shooting Club 

Assistant Hm/ 

Fifth 

Mr A J A Beal ajab@ Biology Head of Biology 

Schools’ Challenge Quiz Teams 

Middles Mr B I Goakes big@ Design Technology Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme 

Sixth Form Club 

Middles Miss T M Lloyd tml@ Physical Education 

Middles Miss H M Morrell hmm@ Mathematics Second in Mathematics Department 

Equestrian Club 

Fifth Mr E C Drysdale ecd@ Chemistry Head of Chemistry 

Film Society 

Sixth Mrs A J Bates ab@ Politics Head of Politics 

Debating and Public Speaking Society 

Sixth Mrs A M Rushton amr@ French 

Spanish 

Bee-keeping Club 

Assistant Tutor Mrs A V Darlow avd@ French 

Senior Leadership Team 

Post/Tutor Group Name Email 

Academic 

Subject(s) 

Headmaster Mr J Belbin headmaster@ History 

Deputy Head Mr M J Eddon mje@ Mathematics 

Other Responsibilities 

Deputy Head (Academic) Mr C J A Bates cjab@ Politics Philosophy Society 

American Exchange 

Assistant Head (Extension 

and Enrichment) 

Mr J C Newsam jcn@ History Scholars’ Programme 

Debating and Public Speaking Society 

Child Protection Officer 

White House Houseparent (Girls 

Technology Boarding) 

Assistant Head (Pastoral) Mrs C A Stokes cas@ Design 

Assistant Head (Staff) Mrs L A Hadden lah@ Geography CCF Contingent Commander 

Director of Activities Mr R E Knell rek@ French Head of French 

Kimbolton House Houseparent (Boys 

Boarding) 

Head of Sixth Form Mr A J Bamford ajb@ History Head of History 

American Exchange 2012-13 

Head of Prep School Mr R J Wells rw2@ 

Deputy Head of Prep School Mr O Stokes os@ 

Bursar Mr E F P Valletta bursar@ 




Mr S C Ball scb@ Music Director of Music 

Mrs L N Bland lnb@ Religious Studies 

Mathematics 

13 

School Chaplain 

Mr K J Curtis kjc@ Physics Head of Physics 

Mrs A C Fearing acf@ Art 

Mrs H F Garland hfg@ Biology Boarders’ Activities 

CSI Kimbolton Club 

Mrs L R Garner lrg@ Economics 

Mrs E F Goakes efg@ Physics 

Mr S E C Henson sech@ English 

Theatre Studies 

Head of Theatre Studies 

Mr C J W Horricks cjwh@ French 

German 

Middles Prep Room 

Mr J D Greening jdg@ English 

Ms D V Robinson dvr@ Religious Studies 

Mrs M E Samuels mes@ Biology 

Physics 

Mrs C L Sarkies cls@ English 

Mrs E Simons es@ Textiles Textiles Club 

Mr W J Skinner wjs@ English Head of Careers 

UCAS Administrator 

Mrs R Stewart rs2@ Special Needs Co-ordinator 

Mr R A Walker raw@ Art 

Mrs E Maenpaa Games Ingrams Prep Room 

Teaching Staff

The School Day 

The structure of the day is illustrated in the box (right). 

Arrival and Registration 

The school day starts at 0840 with registration in tutor rooms. Pupils 

arriving before this time may take breakfast with the boarders between 

0800-0815 (subject to prior booking and a small charge—see page 31) 

but otherwise are not supervised until registration. 

We operate a one-way system through the Castle Grounds at peak times 

(see page 7). Please enter the School via the Iron Gates on the B645 at 

these times and exit via the Gatehouse. The Iron Gates are then locked 

for the duration of the school day during which entry and exit is via the 

Gatehouse. 

1630-1730 Activities or Supervised Prep 

The road near to The Spinney, the Donaldson Laboratories and the 

swimming pool is used by the school buses. Please do not enter or exit this area, or drop-off your child by the 

nearby gates (the ‘Donaldson Gates’), as this will cause traffic jams and delay the arrival of the buses. 

Pupils are expected to arrive at registration promptly. Late arrivals register with the Sergeant Major in Lost 

Property between 0850 and 0915, and with the School Secretary in the School Office thereafter. 

Registration is conducted swiftly so that tutors have time to address minor issues and give out notices to their 

tutees. Please do not enter your child’s tutor room or approach their tutor at this time as it will delay the start of 

the day. You are welcome, however, to contact your child’s tutor via email at any time to raise any concerns or to 

make an appointment. 

Break 

Break lasts twenty minutes. The Tuck Shop within the School Shop is open for the purchase of a wide range of hot 

and cold snacks and drinks plus stationery and minor uniform items. The queue is supervised by a member of staff 

and Sixth Formers. As an alternative, Ingrams pupils may go to the Dining Hall for a more limited choice of drinks 

and snacks (provided) in a quieter location. 

Lunch 

0840-0850 Registration with Tutor 

0850-0945 Period 1 

0945-1040 Period 2 

1040-1100 House Assemblies or Chapels 

1100-1120 Break 

1120-1215 Period 3 

1215-1310 Period 4 

1310-1415 Lunch 

1415-1420 Registration in Lesson 

1420-1520 Period 5 

1520-1620 Period 6 

1630 Buses Leave 

Lunch starts at 1.10 pm and finishes at 2.15 pm. The termly calendar includes the rota for lunch by year groups. 

Two or three hot options (including vegetarian) plus an extensive salad bar, bread, hot and cold desserts, fresh fruit 

and water are on offer each day and are freshly cooked on the premises by our own catering staff. All pupils are 

expected to take lunch in the Dining Hall unless they are away on trips or sports fixtures when a packed lunch will 

be provided. 

After-School 

The school day ends at 4.20 pm and the buses depart at 4.30 pm. Drinks and snacks are available in the Dining 

Hall at 4.20 pm for those participating in after-school activities or attending a prep (homework) session. 

The after-school session starts at 4.30 and runs for one hour, although a few activities last longer than this. Each 

morning, Ingrams pupils confirm to their prefect their intention to stay behind for activities or prep; while this is not 

required for Middles or Seniors, all day pupils remaining on the School campus after 1630 are expected to attend 

an activity or a prep session and should not be ‘hanging around’ at school. 

Parent-to- 

Parent 

‘Tuck Shop money is useful for the first few weeks, but the novelty wears off so don’t worry.’ 


Day pupils may stay for boarders’ tea at 1800 (subject to prior booking and a small charge - see page 31) but will 

not be supervised after tea finishes at 1830 unless previously arranged with the boarding staff. 


Supervised Prep Sessions 

All First to Fourth Form pupils remaining at school after 4.30 pm and not in an activity are expected to attend a 

supervised prep session. The prep sessions are held in the following venues: 

• Ingrams - Rooms 8 and 9 in The Orangery 

• Third Form - Room 15 in The Spinney 

• Fourth Form - Vanbrugh Library 

Unless absolutely necessary, please do not collect your son or daughter until the last 10 minutes of the session 

as frequent interruptions are not conducive to quality homework. The School Shop is out of bounds to all 

unaccompanied First to Fourth Form pupils between 4.30 and 5.30 pm. 

Fifth and Sixth Formers may use the Vanbrugh Library or other quiet areas for study after school. 

Please note that the Library closes at 5.45 pm and that the School Shop closes at 6 pm each night. 

Unless attending an evening event or staying for boarders’ tea or in one of the boarding houses overnight, all day 

pupils should have departed the School site by 6 pm. 

Collecting Your Child by Car 

If you are collecting your son or daughter by car, please enter the School grounds via the Iron Gates and leave via 

the Gatehouse. As in the morning, please do not use or park near the Donaldson Gates or park in the area used 

by the buses. 

We offer a number of bus routes for the transportation of pupils to and from 

School. These run from Monday to Friday with a reduced ‘hub’ service 

after activities and on Saturdays. Our buses are provided by Robinsons of 

Kimbolton and are used exclusively by Kimbolton School pupils; over 25% 

of our pupils of all ages use this service. School rules apply while travelling 

on our buses and we expect all pupils to maintain the highest standards of 

behaviour while travelling to School. 

Second and subsequent siblings attract a small discount on the cost of bus 

travel. Where space permits, one way only tickets are available, as are tickets 

for single trips (eg. for a friend coming home for tea). Please email or call 

Reception to arrange a temporary bus pass. 

Full details, including routes, costs and booking forms are available on our 

website. In addition, we send information about the buses to all parents in July. 

Please contact the School Services Manager if you wish to discuss any aspect 

of the bus service. 

15 

The School Day 

Bus Service 

All Bussing Queries 

School Services Manager: 

Mr S M Richardson 

01480 862233 

smr@ 

Reception: 

01480 860505 

reception@ 

Website Info: 

/BusService 

Robinson’s: 

01480 860581

The Academic Curriculum 

Website Info: 

/SeniorCurriculum 

/SeniorDepartments 

First to Third Forms 

Pupils follow a broad and balanced curriculum in the First to Third Forms 

comprising: 

English French Information Technology Art 

Mathematics Spanish Personal, Social and 

Health Education* 

Design Technology 

Biology History Physical Education Food Technology 

Chemistry Geography Games Textiles 

Physics Religious Education 

Music Drama 

*including careers and GCSE guidance in the Third Form 

Creative Subjects 

The four creative subjects (in italics in the list above) are timetabled in a ‘carousel’ for the First and Second Forms. 

Each First Form class is split in half with one half studying two of the creatives concurrent with the other half 

studying the remaining two. The two halves swap over just before the February half term. The Second Form is 

similar, although the half classes swap subjects every half term so that they have a more equal experience of each 

subject before they make their Third Form options. 

Textiles finishes after two years. Halfway through the Second Form, pupils opt which two of the remaining three 

creative subjects they wish to study in the Third Form. All first choices are guaranteed but numbers may prevent us 

from granting all pupils’ second choices. 

Fourth and Fifth Forms 

The same approach of a broad and balance curriculum continues in the Fourth and Fifth Forms. GCSE options are 

made in the Spring of the Third Form. All pupils take GCSEs in English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, 

at least one foreign language, at least one humanity (Geography, History, RS) and either Core and Additional Science 

or all three sciences. In total pupils take nine GCSEs with some studying for ten, and all continue with PE (Fourth 

Form only), PSHE and Games, plus CCF or CSU. 

The Third Form pupils and parents’ evening in the Spring Term includes a detailed briefing and booklet on GCSE 

options. 

Sixth Form 

Lower Sixth options are made in the Spring of the Fifth Form. Students choose four subjects to study at AS Level 

from a total of 21 on offer and, a year later, decide which three to continue to A2 Level in the Upper Sixth. All Sixth 

Form students participate in a weekly Games Afternoon and opt for CCF, CSU or an extension course. Upper Sixth 

Formers undertake our ‘Preparing for Citizenship’ course. 

The ‘Fifth into Sixth Form’ Evening for Fifth Form pupils and their parents in the Autumn Term includes a detailed 

briefing and booklet on AS options and Sixth Form life, and the opportunity to discuss subjects with departmental 

staff. 

Parent-to- 

Parent 

‘Don’t buy a coat until necessary, the blazer is enough. Buy a blazer a bit bigger than needed.’ 



School Email and Moodle 

School Email 

Your child will be given details of their School IT account and their School email address and be taught how to use 

these systems early in their first term at Kimbolton. These ICT lessons will include the acceptable use of email and 

email etiquette. It is important that they check their email account at least daily; this can be done from terminals 

around the School or from home via a link in the bottom right hand corner of every page on the School website. 

Moodle 

ICT lessons will also include Moodle. Moodle is our virtual learning 

environment, an online collection of learning resources arranged by 

academic subject and school year group. These include documents, 

exercises, audio and video clips, revision resources and past 

examination papers. 

Staff may set homework that needs your child to refer to Moodle. 

They can access it via the link in the bottom right hand corner of 

every page on the School website. The login and password that 

they need is the same one that they use to login to their School IT 

account.. 

Extra-Curricular Activities and Holiday Sport 

We consider our pupils’ involvement in activities to be a key part of their 

development into interesting, confident and rounded adults as well as 

providing balance in a busy and stimulating school day. By joining in 

with others, including many outside their own class and year groupings, 

they acquire additional social skills and extra friendships. It also allows 

our staff to get to know and understand them better. 

‘My son uses the calendar function on his mobile phone to remind him about his next music lesson.’ 

17 

Website Info: 

/Activities 

/SummerSportsWeeks 

The activities on offer each term are detailed in the back of the calendar. Most run for an hour from 4.30 to 

5.30 pm but there are also some at lunchtimes and at weekends. They include outdoor pursuits, sports, music 

and a wide range of other options. For a few activities, pupils need to sign up beforehand; these are mainly 

the handful that involve an additional charge. For all other weekday activities, pupils just need to turn up at 

the allotted place and time. For weekend ones they must ensure that the staff member leading the activity is 

expecting them by emailing or speaking to them beforehand. We expect them to give anything that they try a 

‘proper go’ by attending for at least half a term before they decide that it is not for them. 

More information on Ingrams activities is available on the noticeboard outside the Ingrams Housemistress’s 

Office in the Mews. 

We start the annual Summer holiday with two Summer Sports Weeks for children aged 7 to 13. These 

offer coaching and competitions in a variety of sports in age groups. Further information is available on our 

website. 

We often host sports training camps during the other holidays and half term breaks which provide intensive 

coaching in a particular sport. These are open to all abilities. We will email you details as appropriate. 

Parentto-Parent

Homework (Prep) 

We set homework (or ‘prep’) for all year groups throughout the school year and it is an understandable concern of 

most parents. The points below should answer the most common questions. Please contact your child’s tutor if 

you need further clarification. 

What is the purpose of homework? 

Homework serves a number of purposes: 

• It encourages pupils to develop the habit of working on their own and to learn perseverance and self-discipline. 

• It gives pupils the chance to practise the skills that they have learned in the classroom. This enables 

classwork to concentrate on new things and thus more ground to be covered. 

• It allows pupils to be academically stretched in ways that are appropriate to their individual rate of progress. 

• It provides teachers with an indication of pupil performance and progress. 

How much prep will my child receive? 

Time allocated for prep varies between year groups. The expectation is that pupils should spend a reasonable 

amount of time on homework each evening and at weekends. 

• First and Second Form ½ - 1 hour per night (three subjects), ie. 2½ - 5 hours per week. 

• Third Form 1 - 1½ hours (three subjects), ie. 5 - 7½ hours per week 

• Fourth and Fifth Form 1½ - 2 hours (three subjects), ie. 7½ - 10 hours per week 

• Lower Sixth Form 3½ hours per subject per week 

• Upper Form 5 hours per subject per week 

The Sixth Form necessitates a greater degree of flexibility and Sixth Formers must develop an extensive and 

rigorous programme of study outside lesson time using a blend of private study and home time. This is essential 

preparation for work in tertiary education reflecting the greater substance of tasks set and the greater need for 

independent studying. 

How does the School help pupils to organise their prep? 

Each pupil is given a homework diary at the beginning of the year which includes a prep timetable at the front. 

This states which three subjects are set for each evening and, due to exigencies of the subjects timetable, may 

sometimes include prep that is set on one day for completion on a future evening. 

Each day, your child should record the details of prep set against the evening that it is allocated to plus the date 

that it is due to be handed in. Ingrams parents are asked to sign the planner each week; Middles and Seniors 

tutors will request this if necessary. 

How should I assist my child? 

You have a positive role to play in prep in terms of encouraging, supporting and stimulating your child’s academic 

development. There are a number of ways that you can assist: 

• Check that your child’s homework diary is filled in clearly and regularly. 

• Agree a timeframe for homework and work within it. Ensure that things are not left until the last minute - 

especially at weekends and during holidays. - but remember that some prep is set on one day for completion 

on another so need not be tackled before the timetabled day. 

• Before starting check that your child is clear about the task and has the relevant materials and resources. 

• Provide suitable working conditions: a quiet place with lighting and furniture suitable for good working and 

away from the television and their mobile phone! Negotiate an appropriate time and place. 

• Take a positive and active interest in your child’s work at home rather than just insisting that it is done. 

• If your child finds a task difficult resist the temptation to do the work yourself! It is important that you only 

provide background information and support and do not take ownership of the work away from your child. 

• Aim to gradually take a declining role in the supervision of homework so that your child acquires the skills of 

self-organisation and time management that are vital for public examination success. 

• Let us know if there are problems with prep that you cannot resolve. If your child cannot complete the work, 

stop the homework session after the allotted time (give or take a few minutes), encourage your child to raise 

it with their subject teacher and, if necessary, make a note about the problem in their homework diary or 

email their tutor yourself. 



19 

Homework (Prep) 

My child missed a lesson. What happens about the homework set for that night? 

If your child is absent from school or misses lessons due to, for example, a music lesson or sports tournament, 

it is his/her responsibility to catch up any work missed, including homework. Late prep must be handed in to the 

subject teacher, not their tutor. 

‘Make sure that they have at least one friend that they can contact with homework queries.’ 

‘Do homework every night and then put loose sheets in a folder in their bag, ready to be handed in.’ 

The table below provides an overview of when you can expect feedback from 

us in the form of assessment sheets, reports and parents evenings. It also 

Website Info: 

highlights where examinations and options deadlines fall in the school year. 

/SeniorFeedback 

This does change from year-to-year so please refer to the website for the 

/NewsCalendar 

most up-to-date table. The exact dates of events and assessment sheets may 

be found in the termly calendar. Note that the first assessment sheets are 

produced just before the first half term so as to give pupils time to settle in. 

From the Third Form onwards, pupils accompany their parents to Pupil and Parents’ Evenings. 

Notes: 

1. Report includes Autumn Term Games feedback. 

2. Report includes CCF/CSU/Extension Courses feedback. 

3. In the Third Form, pupils select two creative subjects from Art, DT and F&N. 

Parent-to- 

Parent 

Feedback to Parents

Academic Assessments 

We provide regular assessments of pupil progress in the form of assessment cards. These give gradings of effort 

and conduct in class plus attainment in each subject, alongside a homework grade. 

The criteria for these assessments are given in the table below. (Note that the GCSE equivalences apply only to 

the Fourth and Fifth Forms).: 

You may find the following explanatory points helpful: 

• All pupils are assessed regularly on their academic performance over a period of about three to four weeks 

with the first assessment in mid-October. Assessments are awarded three times in the Autumn term and and 

twice in the Spring and Summer terms. 

• We expect that a good Kimboltonian in the First to Fifth Form would receive an effort assessment of 2. Pupils 

who fall below this are not coming up to expectation in the classroom and tutors and teachers will be looking 

for ways to improve. 

• The attainment grade in the Fourth and Fifth Forms is an indicator of performance relative to GCSE grades 

for that period of time. It is not a prediction. 

• The Sixth Form assessment criteria are different, reflecting the different approach and demands of A Level 

studies. A 2 for effort is a minimum and a good Kimboltonian will achieve 2s or better. The attainment grade 

reflects the equivalent AS/A2 standard for that period of work. It is not a prediction. 

• Assessments are issued to pupils by tutors in assessment tutorials usually on Fridays where advice, targetsetting 

and other support is given as follow-up. Copies are also sent home. 

• Discussions are held within the houses and at a staff meeting following assessments to consider any 

individual issues that may have arisen and the follow-up action required. 


• Tutors are responsible for monitoring and supporting pupils’ academic performance and should be the main 

point of contact for any concerns. 

• Monitoring of pupil performance over their school career is done through assessments and compared with 

other indicators of potential and performance. 

Pupils with high grades are commended by the Headmaster by name in assemblies following assessments, as are 

pupils who have achieved the best improvement from the previous set. 


Merits and Commendations 

21 

Academic Assessments 

Rewards and Sanctions 

Ingrams pupils are recommended for merits by staff for outstanding work or effort or for particularly good deeds. 

They then ‘claim’ these in person from the Headmaster during regular lunch time merits sessions. The Headmaster 

awards Certificates of Excellence for 10 merits, £5 Waterstones vouchers for 25, and £10 for 50; these are 

presented during Ingrams House assemblies. The total number of merits awarded to each class also counts 

towards the Ingrams House Competition. 

Middles and Seniors are awarded commendations that recognise special effort or attainment in academic work or 

other areas of contribution to the life of the school. The Headmaster awards £10 Waterstones vouchers in school 

assemblies for 12 commendations, then another £10 for 25 and beyond. The termly totals of commendations 

earned contribute to the House Competition. 

Our sanctions are progressive: 

Sanctions 

Subject teachers set lunchtime Departmental Detentions for poor, late or missing work, or if classroom behaviour 

has fallen below acceptable standards. Tutors and Housemasters are informed of these; you will be contacted by 

the Head of Department if there is a cause for concern over your child’s academic work. 

If your child’s work, class behaviour or assessments fall below acceptable standards for multiple departments, his/ 

her tutor will issue a Report Card. Subject teachers sign these after each lesson and you will be asked to initial 

them on a daily basis. We find that Report Cards are a useful way of communicating a child’s daily academic 

performance and behaviour and assist both school and parent in working together to refocus a child. 

Conduct Detentions are awarded to pupils for the minor infringement of school rules and to pupils who have 

failed to respond to subject department sanctions. Held on a Friday lunchtime, they involve a written task and are 

supervised by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. If a pupil misses a Conduct Detention they will be placed 

in a Friday After-School Detention. 

Friday After-School Detentions are used for more serious offences and override all other activities. Your child’s 

Housemaster/mistress or the relevant Head of Department will call you and then send a letter of confirmation about 

an After-School Detention. 

Headmaster’s Detentions are held on Saturday mornings for those who have committed serious offences. These 

override all other activities and are preceded by an interview with the Headmaster for the pupil. Your child’s 

Housemaster/mistress will inform you by phone and the Headmaster will write to confirm that your child is placed in 

a Saturday Detention. 

Exclusions (short term and permanent) are used for the most serious cases.

Music at Kimbolton 

Music Queries 

Director of Music: 

Mr S C Ball 

01480 862254 

scb@ 

Assistant Director of Music: 

Mr D C Gibbs 

dcg@ 

Music Administrator: 

Mrs S A Valletta 

sv@ 

Website Info: 

/MusicAtKimbolton 

How much do lessons cost? 

The fees per term per 

instrument in 2012-13 were 

expected to be: 

• Grade 5 and below tuition 

- £230 

• Grade 6 and above tuition 

- free* 

*Terms and conditions apply 

• Instrument hire - £45 

Prices correct at time of 

going to press. There is a 

notice period to discontinue 

lessons and notice must be 

given in writing. 

Musical activities play an important part in the life of pupils at Kimbolton 

School with several choirs, orchestras, jazz, swing groups and other 

musical ensembles to join. The learning of an instrument and the fun of 

making music with other people can become a joy for life. Over a third of 

our pupils take advantage of the expert tuition on offer from our team of 

visiting specialists and several take part at county or national level. We offer 

teaching on all orchestral and band instruments as well as piano, organ, 

guitar, drums, percussion and voice. Many pupils joining the Senior School 

who have previously received tuition elsewhere opt for lessons with us so 

that their music is integrated into the normal school day. 

Please note that we will assume that former Prep School pupils will continue 

their lessons when they transfer to the Senior School unless you tell us 

otherwise. The normal period of notice will apply. 

The following may answer your questions about music tuition and 

ensembles. You are welcome to contact a member of the Music Department 

with any questions. 

Individual Tuition 

My child has never played an instrument before. Is it too late to start? 

It’s never too late to start! For many pupils the move to the Senior School is 

an ideal time to begin learning an instrument. The Music staff will help your 

child choose which one to learn if they don’t have one in mind already. It is 

perfectly acceptable to spend time settling into the new routine before taking 

on the extra commitment of music lessons as instrumental lessons can start 

at any point in the academic year. 

Are there instruments available to hire? 

Yes. While we cannot guarantee availability, the Music Department has a 

wide range of instruments for hire for the first year of tuition. If all goes well 

we would expect you to then purchase an instrument. Please note that we 

cannot hire out pianos, drum kits or electric guitars. 

Where and when do lessons take place? 

Lessons are 40 minutes long and take place weekly in one of the practice 

rooms in the Music School. The majority of pupils are taught during normal 

lessons on a rotational basis to ensure that the same academic lesson is 

not missed each week. Pupils arrange timings with their music teachers 

and then contact their subject teachers for permission to be excused. The 

rotation system ensures that any academic lesson time missed is spread 

fairly across the full range of subjects and, wherever possible, pupils learning 

more than one instrument are taught one of these outside academic lessons. 

How much practice will be required? 

Progress in any instrument needs daily practice. The best way is to 

establish a disciplined and structured approach with daily practice of initially 

10-15 minutes’ duration. This can be adjusted as your child’s stamina and 

ability grow. The practice to be undertaken will be recorded in your child’s 

Practice Book. Aim to provide support and encouragement at home and 

avoid bribery - it rarely works. 

How can I contact my child’s teacher? 

Most of our teachers only visit the School on certain days. Please use your 

child’s Practice Book to convey messages for your child’s teacher or contact 


Mrs Valletta, the Music Administrator. 


23 

Music at Kimbolton 

How will I know how my child is progressing? 

Your child’s academic report will include a written report from your child’s instrumental teacher. This will give 

you information about how your child is progressing on their instrument and the things that they should try to 

improve. You will also be invited into school to observe one of your child’s music lessons during the year. There 

is a notice period should you decide to discontinue lessons and you must confirm your intentions in writing. 

My child would like to start lessons. What should we do? 

Download an application form from our website and, if necessary, contact Mrs Valletta, the Music Administrator, 

to discuss your needs. If your child has already started at Kimbolton School, they can visit Mrs Valletta in the 

Music Office or ask one of their Music teachers about lessons. 

Music Lesson Timings 

How can my child check the time of his/her next lesson? 

We publish lesson times a week in advance on the noticeboard at the top of the staircase in the Music School. 

Encourage your child to check this (preferably without your help!) and then to excuse themself from any other 

commitment, such as academic lessons. This can be done by a polite email to the teacher concerned. 

My child’s next lessons clashes with a sporting [or other] commiment. What should he/she do? 

Music teachers make every effort to avoid timetabling music lessons with a known calendared event. It is vital 

that pupils tell their music teachers of any potential clashes as early as possible and at least a week in advance. 

Once timetabled, music lessons cannot be changed or swapped with another pupil. 

Ensembles 

How does my child get involved in one of the ensembles? 

The Music School foyer has a display of the musical ensembles currently on offer. Your child is welcome to 

discuss their choice of group(s) with a member of the Music staff and their instrumental teacher will encourage 

them to join at least one as soon as they are ready. They can also ask Mrs Valletta in the Music Office or you 

could email Mrs Valletta (copy to their tutor). 

My child learns an instrument outside school, Can he/she join any of the School’s ensembles? 

Yes! We welcome all musicians and are keen for everyone to get involved in our music-making, be it in the 

orchestras, choirs, ensembles, concerts or competitions. Make sure that they make themselves known to their 

Music teacher or, that they call into the Music Office to enquire about extra-curricular music. Alternatively, 

please email Mrs Valletta yourself (with copy to their tutor). 

Instruments 

Where can my child leave his/her instrument while at school? 

Most instruments are sensitive to heat and humidity and should not be left out on the bag racks. We ask that 

all instruments are clearly marked with the child’s name using a luggage label and are stored in the Instrument 

Store Room on the first floor of the Music School. This has a keypad entry with a code that is available from 

any music teacher or from the Music Office. Pupils should get into the habit of bringing their instruments to 

the Music School as soon as they arrive in the morning and then collecting them before they return home. 

Instruments found lying around the school grounds at the end of the school will be taken to the Lost Property 

Office. 

Does the School cover lost or damaged instruments? 

No. Whilst the Instrument Store Room is the safest place to leave them, the School cannot be held responsible 

for damage to or loss of musical instruments. Please ensure that you take out adequate instrument insurance. 

There are companies that specialise in instrument insurance, and some home insurance companies have it as 

an option.

Sport at Kimbolton - PE and Games 

PE & Games Queries 

Director of Sport: 

Mr M S Gilbert 

01480 862248 

msg@ 

Head of Girls’ Games: 

Mrs E L R Lawless 

01480 862248 

el@ 

Website Info: 

Sports Kit 

/Uniform 

(see the Uniform Gallery) 

Sports Fixtures 

/SportsFixtures 

The Pool is open to the 

public during weekends, 

evenings and school 

holidays. 

It offers a variety of 

sessions including parent 

and child, adults only, floats 

fun and aqua fit. 

All Kimbolton pupils may 

swim without charge during 

public sessions (a few 

exceptions apply). 

The Pool offers both group 

and one-to-one swimming 

lessons in term time and 

during the holidays. 

Please visit or phone the 

Pool, or visit the School 

website, for details and for 

Pool opening times. 

Swimming Pool: 

01480 862276 

pool@ 

Website: 

/Pool 

Our Sports Department is responsible for PE and Games (including 

sports fixtures), and organises a wide range of activities that cater for 

everyone, from the committed athlete to those participating for exercise 

and enjoyment. Our aim is to provide a PE and Games programme that 

facilitates all Kimbolton pupils to acquire the skill and enthusiasm for longterm 

involvement in sport that will stay with them throughout their Kimbolton 

career and beyond. 

In the First to Fourth Forms, your child will participate in both Physical 

Education (PE) and Games lessons; the Fifth and Sixth Forms undertake 

Senior Games afternoons only. 

PE 

PE is taught in form groupings so boys and girls work together. They wear 

the same unisex kit comprising House polo top, PE shorts, ankle socks and 

trainers. Swimming kit is required throughout the year. 

The PE curriculum offers a wide range of activities including swimming, 

table tennis, badminton, basketball, gymnastics, health related fitness, 

circuits, weights, athletics, dance, and striking and field games. Other 

than in the Summer Term, when the focus is on athletics and tennis, pupils 

change to a different PE activity roughly every half term. 

Games 

All year groups have a Games afternoon each week; Ingrams have an 

additional morning period of Games on Wednesday (Second Form) or 

Friday (First Form). Games afternoons are held as follows: 

• Ingrams - Monday 

• Middles - Tuesday 

• Seniors - Wednesday 

The main sports for girls are hockey (Autumn Term), netball (Spring), and 

tennis and rounders (both Summer). Boys play football (Autumn), hockey 

(Spring), and cricket and tennis (both Summer). Middles may opt for 

canoeing or sailing as an alternative to the main sports, although there are 

limited places and a small termly charge applies (£30 at the time of going to 

press). 

For those not in representative sports teams, Seniors Games offers over 

twenty activities over the school year including swimming, golf, LA Fitness, 

clay pigeon shooting, pilates and badminton. Our aim is that all pupils will 

find an activity that they will wish to pursue long after leaving school. 

Sports Kit 

The kit required for Games depends on the sport being played; full details 

including illustrations are in the uniform gallery on the website. With the 

exception of Sixth Formers who can delay the purchase of Games kit until 

their choice of sport is confirmed, all pupils need PE kit plus hockey or 

football kit (as appropriate) at the start of the Autumn Term. 

The purchase of some of the other kit can be delayed until nearer the 



Sport at Kimbolton - PE and Games 

season, but please note that we change the sport that we are teaching three weeks before the end of term so that 

we are ready to play competitive fixtures from the start of the next one. This means, for example, that boys need 

hockey sticks, mouth guards and astro boots by the mid-November rather than the start of January. 

In the Summer Term, some pupils opt for tennis rather than cricket or rounders. Pupils play Summer Games in 

their PE kit. Tennis and cricket whites are only required if your child is chosen to represent the School. 

All School sports kit must be purchased from Schoolblazer Ltd. The School Shop stocks some minor items such as 

football/hockey socks, PE socks, cricket boxes and mouth guards. 

Injury or Minor Illness —‘Off PE/Games’ 

We generally assume that a pupil who is well enough to be in school can participate in activities. If this is not the 

case, they need to present a letter of explanation from a parent, or an ‘Off PE/Games’ slip written by the School 

Nurse. An email to the Director of Sport, copied to their tutor, is also acceptable. Please provide a doctor’s note if 

your child is likely to miss more than a fortnight of PE and Games. 

The Sports staff will determine the most appropriate activity for pupils who are ‘Off PE/Games’ which may include 

watching or assisting. They need to arrive equipped with both the correct PE/Games kit (including warmth layers) 

as well as written work or reading material so that the best use can be made of their time. 

Valuables 

At the beginning of every PE or Games lesson, staff produce the valuables box. Pupils are encouraged to place 

their mobile phones, wallets, purses etc into the box which is then locked away for the duration of the lesson. 

Please encourage your child to use this facility. A similar facility is offered for home and away matches. 

“In the Prep School, children bring all of their PE and Games kit in each Monday and take it home on 

Friday. It’s different at the Senior School. They only bring in what they need and then take it home on 

the same day. So it’s worth buying a small drawstring bag for their PE/swimming kit and a larger sports 

bag for Games.” 

“A correctly sized hockey stick should reach their waistline when they stand up straight.” 

“Don’t forget that a ‘boil and bite’ mouthguard needs to heated and moulded to your child’s mouth before 

their first hockey lesson.” 

‘We found a sports bag with wheels made moving around the campus easier.’ 

25 

Parent-to-Parent

Sport at Kimbolton - Representative Sport 

Parent-to- 

Parent 

Match Queries 

01480 862248 

Boys Hockey: 

Mr M S Gilbert 

msg@ 

Boys Football, Boys Tennis, 

Cross-country: 

Mr A S Lawless 

asl@ 

Girls Hockey, Netball, 

Rounders: 

Mrs E L R Lawless 

el@ 

Swimming, Athletics, 

Girls Tennis: 

Miss T M Lloyd 

tml@ 

Boys Cricket: 

Mr T Webley 

tw@ 

Website Info: 

Sports Kit 

/Uniform 

(see the Uniform Gallery) 

Sports Fixtures 

/SportsFixtures 

We play sports matches against both local and more distant schools. 

Fixtures take place on Match Saturdays and during some midweek Games 

afternoons. We encourage pupils to participate in sport in their own time but, 

in keeping with our sporting and community ethos, players in sports teams 

are expected to commit to represent the School in all fixtures, midweek and 

Saturdays. 

Match Timings 

At the start of each term we publish a fixtures card for each sport and 

distribute it to all pupils interested in representing the School. The fixtures 

are also published in the Current Parents area of the website (see left) and 

in the termly calendar. The start times of Saturday matches vary depending 

on the availability of the opposition and therefore can be on mornings or 

afternoons. 

More detailed information, including transport information, teas and return 

times are published on the website in the week leading up to each fixture. 

Selection of Teams 

All our squads remain fluid, reflecting the progress of individual pupils as we 

move through each sporting season. We consider pupil ability, confidence 

and safety when selecting for fixtures and representing the School during an 

earlier season does not necessarily lead to re-selection in the following sport 

or school year. 

Early in each season we hold trials for those interested in representing the 

School, after which pupils are divided into squads. Team managers then 

name and publish the team at least 3 days prior to each fixture. Team lists 

are published on the Games noticeboards on the north side of the Castle; 

pupils are responsible for checking these regularly and making note of the 

details. We also publish weekly fixture details for parents on the school 

website. 

All squads are required to attend a weekly meeting on the day before a 

Saturday fixture. This assists in ironing out any specific needs, details, 

transport arrangements and availability queries. Post-match meals are 

usually provided for both home and away players. 

Supporting our Fixtures 

We welcome your support on the touchline at both midweek and Saturday 

matches, home and away, but cannot provide transport for families. 

Information on pitch locations (for home matches) and the post codes of 

opposition schools (for away matches) is available on the website. 

We provide post-match refreshments for supporters of our home matches. 

These are usually in the Dining Room after midweek fixtures and in the Saloon 

for Saturday ones; many other host schools provide similar refreshments. 

“Have a good look at the Sports Fixtures area of the website which contains 

loads of useful information on matches, post codes of opposing teams and more” 

“Get to know the other parents on the touchline so that you can share the away match journeys and costs.” 


Sport at Kimbolton - Representative Sport FAQs 

What must my child wear on a Saturday when selected for a sports team? 

The standard full Games kit for each sport as outlined on the School website must be worn. Most significantly, 

all pupils turn up for and depart from fixtures in a full school tracksuit (the tracksuit top is replaced by the School 

hoodie for the Fifth and Sixth Form). Pupils also need their PE top for wearing into teas (blazers for boys’ cricket 

team). 

What is the provision for food on a Saturday? 

Pupils need their own lunch when travelling away for an afternoon fixture. Match teas for pupils and refreshments 

for parents and spectators are provided after each home fixture. Pupils are expected to stay to host their 

opponents during match teas. 

Can my child use a School bus service to get to School on a Saturday morning? 

A skeletal bus service operates and is reviewed regularly to determine usage. Up-to-date information can be 

found on the ‘Bus Service’ pages of the school website. Pupils selected for a Saturday fixture are required to 

inform their team manager as to how they intend to travel. The School bus service will aim to arrive at Kimbolton 

for 8.30am on Saturday mornings, unless a later arrival time is more appropriate given the fixture schedule that 

particular day. Pupils awaiting later fixtures may wait quietly in the Library until the rest of their team arrives. 

How does my child get to an away fixture? 

Transport is provided from School to all away fixtures. If a pupil wishes to travel independently due to geographical 

reasons, it is the responsibility of the pupil (including those who may travel together and share a lift) to inform 

the relevant team manager of this at the Friday team meeting. Where a pupil travels to a fixture on the coach 

and returns with the parent of another child, written consent must be given to the team manager, by the parent, 

stating they allow their child to travel back with the named parent. You may wish to write a letter covering this 

arrangement on a termly basis. 

What do I do if my child is unable to attend a fixture? 

A request for any time away from normal School duties should be addressed to the Headmaster for approval. 

Notification must be given to team managers at the earliest possible convenience and preferably at least 7 days 

prior to the fixture. 

What if my child is unavailable at the very last minute (eg illness?) 

Please contact the School Reception directly if your child is unavailable at the very last minute (open from 

8am to 11.30 am for morning only fixtures, or through to 2.30 pm where afternoon fixtures are programmed; 

messages can be left earlier on the answer phone). The team manager should also be notified by email and, 

where possible, notification given to the team captain or a team mate. All teams will take playing substitutes to 

cater for this issue. 

How will we know if a match has been cancelled, or details have changed, after 4.30pm on Friday? 

A ClarionCall message will be sent on a year group and gender basis (eg all 1st Form boys’ parents) if cancellation 

takes place after 4.30pm on Friday, prior to a Saturday fixture. All attempts will be made to avoid unnecessary 

travel or inconvenience. The School Reception will be able to help with any last minute arrangements. 

What should I do if my child believes that he/she has been overlooked for selection? 

Encourage your child to seek feedback from the Games staff about areas that they need to improve upon and 

the best way of achieving this. This may include attending after-school practices or one of our holiday sports 

camps, joining a local club or simply practising certain skills in their own time. Squads and teams remain 

fluid throughout the season so there is every chance that they will be selected if they prove that they are of the 

correct standard. 

Please do not hesitate to contact Mr Gilbert, the Director of Sport, or the relevant member of the Games 

Department, should you have a query regarding any sporting matter; they will be only too pleased to assist. 


27

Drama at Kimbolton 

Drama is taught to all pupils in the First to Third Forms and is a GCSE option 

thereafter. It covers the key skills of communication, group work, leadership, 

public speaking and confidence through citizenship and genre-based topics. 

Drama Clubs 

Our drama clubs provide an excellent opportunity to extend the drama learning 

in class and often cover audition techniques for productions as well as 

providing opportunities for public performances at key stages in the year. 

Annual Production 

Our annual production is staged in the Spring Term and pupils from all year 

groups in the Senior School. Principal roles are open to all and, as the 

production is often a musical, singing and dancing abilities in addition to acting 

skills are taken into account. 

If your child is not cast in a role that they particularly wanted, please remind 

them that: 

• They should not give up, but instead strive to improve. 

• We have assessed their suitability for that particular production, not all 

roles in all productions. 

• They can ask for feedback if necessary. 

A production involves far more than the cast, of course. Pupils may volunteer 

to assist with a number of off-stage roles including backstage, the technical 

crew (sound and lighting), front of house, hair and make-up, and costumes. 

Kimbolton School Society (KSS) 

of the School. 


Drama Queries 

01480 862248 

Head of Drama: 

Miss B L Copeland 

blc@ 

Website Info: 

/DramaAtKimbolton 

Website Info: 

/KSS 

All parents and guardians of Kimbolton School pupils plus the staff are 

members of the Kimbolton School Society (KSS). By staging a variety of 

interesting and enjoyable social events, it raises funds for local charities and 

for ‘extra’ items for the School. As such, it plays an important role in forging 

links between parents and the School, and in enhancing the family atmosphere 

Social events are held at both the Prep and Senior Schools and are always open to all parents and staff. Regular 

public events include the Fireworks Display in November and the Christmas Fair in early December which both 

heavily rely on parental volunteers to collect monies and provide general help. Please do volunteer - there is no 

long term commitment unless you decide to become more involved. 

Tickets for KSS events are available from the Bursary and the Prep School Office. For more details, including 

contact information, please see the website. 

‘Volunteering to help at the Fireworks Night was fun.’ 

‘Don’t be put off going to a KSS event just because you don’t know enough others to fill a table.’ 

‘A KSS Summer Ball is always a memorable event.’ 



The Health Care Team 

The Health Centre team provides care to pupils and staff at both the Prep and 

Senior Schools. The staff members are all trained nurses and have experience 

in various medical specialities. With flexible staff cover, they offer emotional 

and physical nursing care to everyone, working within the codes of conduct and 

confidentiality. 

Role 

For any pupil with a medical concern, the nursing team works closely with the 

parents and the young person to understand their needs and any implication 

this may have on their school life. You will be asked to complete a form detailing 

any existing conditions before the start of your child’s first term. 

The nurses look after day pupils who may be unwell during the school day, until 

they can be collected by family, and also provide first aid for any injuries. So 

long as you have given written consent plus dosage instructions, the nurses will 

administer medication to pupils of all ages as required. 

The Health Centre team also provides round-the-clock care for boarders. The 

boarding houses’ staff have access to a trained nurse at all times through an 

on-call system, and the nurses support the house matrons in caring for boarders 

who may be unwell and cannot get home, by visiting unwell boarders in their 

houses. 

The nurses can offer advice on a wide range of health issues to everyone on the 

school campus and have good support from the health professionals at our local 

surgery, Kimbolton Medical Centre. 

Health Care Facilities 

29 

Medical Matters 

Health Centre 

01480 862247 

nursingteam@ 

Nurse Manager: 

Mrs Emmeline Lyster 

Nurses: 

Mrs Libby Maitland 

Mrs Jayne Nicholson 

Mrs Maria Hall 

Mrs Katy Clark 

Mrs Angela Croucher 

Mrs Sue Reynolds 

School Counsellor: 

Ms Maria Sweeney 

Website Info: 

Health Centre 

/HealthCentre 

Health Forms: 

/SchoolAdminForms 

Opening Times: 

Mon-Fri: 0830-1730 

Match Saturdays: 

dependent on fixtures 

Non-Match Saturdays: 

closed 

The Health Centre is located on Castle Green, opposite the Gatehouse and behind the 1-5 High Street and Kimbolton 

House. It contains a number of rooms that together provide space for confidential care and advice for the pupils, 

staff and visitors. 

If Your Child is Unwell, Injured or Has a Medical Condition 

Please do not send your child to school if he/she is feeling unwell or has vomited or had diarrhoea the last 24 hours. 

If your child is unwell or injured at school, we will endeavour to make contact with you as soon as possible by phone 

call or email, and then care for your child until they are collected. 

The Health Centre staff work closely with tutors, house masters and mistresses to keep them informed whenever 

possible about the health and well-being of the young people in their care during the school day. If your child is diagnosed 

with a significant or long term health condition, please contact the Nurse Manager to discuss its impact on your child at 

school. We strongly recommend that you lodge a spare (named) inhaler with the Health Centre if your child is asthmatic. 

Contact Us 

Please feel free to contact the Nurse Manager if you would like any further information on our nursing services, or if 

you have any concerns about your child entering our school.

Spare for Your Notes 


Absence, Late Arrivals, Leaving Early and Meals 


Absence from School 

Please do not send your child to school if he/she is feeling unwell 

or has vomited or had diarrhoea in the last 24 hours. If your child is 

absent due to illness, please let the School Secretary or Reception 

know. Please see page 25 for advice should you child be well enough 

to attend School but cannot join in with PE or Games. 

Family holidays should be arranged for the school holidays. If you wish 

your child to miss school for non-medical reasons, please write to or 

email the Headmaster for prior permission. 

Late Arrivals 

Registration starts at 0840 and lasts for 5 minutes. Pupils arriving after 

0845 must sign in before attending lessons. This is with the RSM at the 

Lost Property Office if before 0915 or with the School Secretary in the 

Castle (next to the Chapel) thereafter and includes all pupils arriving on 

delayed buses. 

Pupils who arrive late for avoidable reasons three times within a half 

term are awarded a Friday lunchtime detention. 

Leaving Early 

Please email the School Secretary if your child needs to leave school 

early. Your child must excuse themself from the lessons that they will 

miss at least 24 hours beforehand. He/she must sign out with the School 

Secretary before leaving and sign back in if returning before the end of 

the school day. 

Leaving Early Due to Illness or Injury 

If your child is ill or injured during the school day, they should report to 

the nursing staff at the Health Centre. You should discourage your child 

from calling you directly to ask you to collect them. Experience shows 

that children often respond to treatment or a rest at the Health Centre 

and can then successfully complete the school day. If necessary, the 

nurse will contact you and ask you to collect them; she will also arrange 

for them to be signed out. 

Occasional Meals at School 

Day pupils may take breakfast (0800-0815) and/or tea (1800-1830) 

with the boarders on a regular or occasional basis and for a small 

charge on your termly bill. Each day there are a handful of ‘short 

notice’ places available for which only 24 hours notice is required; 

to guarantee a place please call Reception or fill in the form on the 

website at least 7 days ahead. 

31 

Absence Reporting 

01480 862205 (Secretary) 

01480 860505 (Reception) 

School Secretary: 

Mrs Trudi Bucknell 

secretary@ 

PA to the Headmaster: 

Mrs Kate Ward 

01480 862204 

headmaster@ 

Nursing Team: 

01480 862247 

nursingteam@ 

If you joined the Fees 

Refund Scheme (‘Fees 

Refund Scheme’ on your 

invoice) and your child is off 

school for four or more days, 

you may qualify for a partial 

refund of fees. In some 

circumstances the qualifying 

period may even include a 

weekend or half-term break. 

Fees Administrator: 

Ms Sharen Hegarty 

01480 862225 

fees@ 

Website Info: 

/Insurance 

Occasional Meals 

Requests 

Reception: 

Mrs Helen Slater (am) 

Mrs Hazel Soley (pm) 

01480 860505 

reception@ 

Website Info: 

/SchoolAdminForms

Lost Property 

Lost Property 

Queries 

RSM: 

Mr D V Gridley 

01480 862252 

dvg@ 

Robinson’s: 

01480 860581 

Website Info: 

/LostProperty 

Opening Times: 

Mon-Fri: 0830-0915 


by appointment 


closed 

Organising themselves with the right kit on the right day is an important skill 

for all Kimboltonians to acquire, as are looking after it during the school day 

and remembering to take it home! At approximately 6 pm each night, the 

Security Staff collect all items left outdoors around the School campus and 

secure them in the Lost Property Office. 

Mr Gridley, the CCF’s Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), is also responsible 

for Lost Property. The Lost Property Office is located in the Castle, to the 

right of the House and Sports noticeboards. It is open each morning for the 

reclaiming of items, and stores lost property for approximately three months 

after which most items are disposed of. 

We go to great lengths to reunite pupils with their property but expect them, 

and preferably not their parents, to take the lead in reclaiming it. As an 

incentive to take care of their kit, pupils are asked to make a contribution 

of 50p to charity on each occasion that they make a successful visit to Lost 

Property; last year we donated over £400 to a variety of charities. 

To help us, please: 

• Make sure that all bags are externally named or securely tagged. If 

similar to those belonging to other pupils, add something distinctive 

such as a luggage tag, distinctive key ring or permanent pen marking 

to minimise the chance of returning home with the wrong bag. 

• Mark all items of uniform, sports clothing, footwear, accessories, 

musical instruments, books and files. (We donated over 130 pairs of 

unmarked trainers to charity in 2010-11). 

• If possible, add the pupil’s name to the home page settings of mobile 

phones, iPods etc. 

• If possible, remove the battery from your child’s mobile phone and 

mark your child’s name on the phone under the battery — this is the 

first place that the RSM will look. 

• Add a contact to your child’s phone with the name ‘Lost Phone’ and 

attribute your details to it. 

• Ensure your child lets the RSM know if an item reported missing is 

subsequently found. 

If your child does lose an item, you may find the following points helpful: 

• Kit found in the Sports Centre is placed in the Sports Centre lost 

property box (in the internal changing rooms corridor) and is transferred 

to the Lost Property Office two or three times a week. 

• Items left on the astroturf pitches or in the cricket pavilions are not 

routinely moved to Lost Property. Pupils needing to check for missing 

kit should ask a member of the PE Staff for access to these areas. 

• Swimming Kit: unnamed non-school kit is held by the Pool as it may 

belong to a member of the public; named kit and school kit is taken to 

Lost Property. 

• Food items, including FT ingredients and disposable containers, are 

thrown away within 48 hours. 

• Items left indoors remain in situ until the end of term when they are 

transferred to Lost Property. 

• Most items left on the Buses are moved by the drivers to the bag racks 

outside The Spinney. If not collected by 6 pm, they are transferred by 

Security to the Lost Property Office. Valuable items are retained and 

passed to Robinson’s office (see left for contact details). 

• Unclaimed named items are listed by House once per term and passed 


to Housemasters. 

• Non-school items are held for three months and then disposed of. 


33 

Lost Property 

You are welcome to accompany your child to Lost Property if their initial visit is unsuccessful. Please note that, as 

match timings vary, you will need to contact the RSM for an appointment if you wish to visit Lost Property on a Match 

Saturday. 

“The frequency of my son’s visits to Lost Property dropped dramatically when I insisted that he pay the 

50p each time!” 

“Check that the sports bag your child brings home is actually theirs. It was a couple of days before we 

realised that my daughter’s kit apparently included black swimming trunks and a can of Lynx!” 

“Ensure you know the Lost Property opening times. It becomes a very familiar place in the early weeks.” 

“Don’t forget to name all footwear and check regularly that the name is still legible.” 


Uniform Purchase and the School Shop 

Our new school uniform is provided by our online supplier, Schoolblazer Ltd, a 

local company based near Peterborough. A uniform list will be included in the 

pack of information that we send you prior to your child joining us; this is also 

available on the website. Schoolblazer offers free delivery on all orders placed 

by the end of July. 

The School Shop in The Gatehouse is run by staff who have a wealth of 

experience in kitting our pupils and can provide useful tips and advice. We 

strongly recommend that parents of new pupils visit the Shop with their 

child to try the sizing samples before placing an online order for uniform. 

Please call for an appointment, remembering that the Shop closes in early July 

and does not re-open until the last week of August. There is also a Uniform 

Gallery on the website with images and further information. 

The Shop also: 

• Sells nearly new uniform on behalf of parents at attractive prices. 

• Sells minor uniform items such as socks, ties and mouthguards. 

• Sells stationery including pens, folders, memory sticks and calculators. 

• Holds parcels from Schoolblazer, ready for collection by parents who 

have chosen delivery to the School. (Contact the Bursary for access 

during the holiday periods). 

• Is the Tuck Shop for pupils at break and lunch time (so try to avoid 1100- 

1115 and 1315-1415!) 

• Has a café for parents with hot and cold drinks and snacks which may 

be consumed in the seating area or taken away. 

You are welcome to use the café to meet up with friends, to wait for pupils 

involved in after-school activities or as a homework area for primary schoolaged 

siblings. Senior School pupils staying after-school must attend a 

supervised prep session rather than study in the Shop. 

Uniform Queries 

School Shop: 

Mrs Karen Franklin 

Mrs Sylvia Wills 

01480 862224 

shop@ 

Website Info: 

/Uniform 

/School Shop 

Opening Times (Term 

Time): 

Mon-Fri: 0830-1415; 1530- 

1800 


0900-1230 


closed 

Opening Times (Holidays): 

See the website for details

Communications 

Change of Contact 

Details and ClarionCall 

Queries 

School Secretary: 

Mrs Trudi Bucknell 

01480 862205 

secretary@ 

Website, Press, 

Photography and 

Parents’ Handbook 

Queries 

PR & Comms Manager: 

Mrs Alison Ainsworth 

01480 862207 

prcomms@ 

Website Info: 

/CurrentParents 

/ClarionCall 

/FacebookTwitter 

/SchoolAdminForms 

/NewsCalendar 

Good and open communication between home and school is vital to the 

development, success and happiness of every pupil. Here is what you can 

expect from us: 

Day-to-Day Contact 

Your first point of contact is your child’s tutor who will be able to answer most 

questions. In the majority of cases, we would prefer that your child raises 

queries or problems with their tutor or prefect first (rather than relying on your 

intervention) as this rapidly increases their self-confidence and independence. 

When your support is necessary, the quickest and easiest way to contact 

tutors is via email or by leaving a message with Reception or the School 

Secretary. 

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, please email their housemaster or 

housemistress. 

School Calendar 

The pocket-sized termly calendar contains all of the term’s events plus an 

array of other information including extra-curricular activities, emergency 

procedures and the lunch rota. Your child will be issued with two copies, one 

of which is for you. The dates section of the calendar is published as a PDF 

on the website just after the end of the previous term so that you can plan well 

ahead; it is also available to download (by year group) as an iCal file that may 

be imported into a smartphone, tablet, PC or other electronic calendar. Full 

instructions are on the website. 

ClarionCall 

We use ClarionCall to communicate with parents via email, text and voicemail. 

Before the start of term, please ensure that: 

• Your contact details are up-to-date. 

• You have ‘whitelisted’ (or approved) all emails from @myclarioncall.co.uk. 

Guidance from ClarionCall on whitelisting is available via our website. 

We will run a three-part ClarionCall test for new parents just before the start of 

the Autumn Term. 

Website 

Our website is updated almost daily with a wide range of information. The 

sections entitled ‘Current Parents’ and ‘News & Calendar’ contain reference 

and day-to-day information that is pertinent to our parent body. Please spend 

some time exploring these areas of the website before the start of term. In 

particular: 

• School Office includes contact details, a wide range of admin forms, 

copies of current letters to parents, ClarionCall information, trips details 

and more (see the screenshot on the left). 

• Sport at Kimbolton includes fixtures arrangements, away match locations, 

home match pitch locations and results. 

• Music at Kimbolton includes instrument lesson arrangements. 

• Photo Gallery contains albums of events from across the School. 


Please note the following: 


Facebook and Twitter 

• Adults Toilets: For child protection reasons, we have separate toilet facilities for adults and pupils during 

the school day. If you are in School during the day, please use one of the following facilities: 

• The visitors’ toilets near the Chapel in the Castle - ask the School Office for a key if necessary. 

• The toilet in the School Shop. 

• The toilets in the Swimming Pool foyer. 

• Any other adult toilets - ask the member of staff that you are visiting for access. 

• Bags, Bag Racks and Lockers: Pupils take only the books and equipment that they need into each lesson; 

their bags are left on the racks outside. There is plenty of space for all book and sports bags to be stored on 

the racks which provide protection from inclement weather when necessary. We have lockers for all Ingrams 

pupils plus older pupils who ask for them. We charge a £5 for a lost key. See page 23 for the storage of 

musical instruments. 

• Mobile Phones: We recognise that many children carry mobile phones but have strict rules for their use in 

school: 

• They must be switched off in lessons, tutorials and in Assembly/Chapel. 

• Pupils who misuse mobile phones will have them confiscated for the duration of the lesson. If 

appropriate, a detention will be awarded. 

• Mobile phones used for cyberbullying may be retained while the incident is investigated. 

Please encourage your child to use their locker and/or the Sports Valuables Box as necessary to store their 

mobile. See the Lost Property section (page 32) for advice on marking mobiles. 

• School Policies: A wide range of our policy documents, including those covering anti-bullying, medical care, 

academic curriculum, boarding and parental concerns, are available on our website (/Policies). 

35 

Communications 

We use our Facebook page and Twitter feed as an additional means of communicating with parents and pupils. 

For example, we use them to alert those who ‘Like’ or ‘Follow’ us to: 

• New pages or features on the website 

• Photograph albums added to the website 

• New news stories 

• Changes to opening times and dates for the School Shop 

• The publication of the next term’s calendars. 

Our Facebook and Twitter messages never replace or pre-empt other more inclusive methods of communication. 

Please follow the links from the School Office section of our website (/FacebookTwitter) to connect to us on these 

social networks. 

Kimboltonian Magazine 

Kimboltonian is our biannual digest of pupils’ work, trips reports and other updates. It is distributed to all families 

via the youngest sibling; a small charge will be added to your bill to cover this. 

Miscellaneous Matters

© Kimbolton School, Kimbolton, Huntingdon PE28 0EA. Registered Charity No 1098586

Senior School Handbook 2012-13 - Kimbolton School

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